New in here.....need help and inspiration!

November 8, 2005

Hi to all ~

My name is JoJo and I am a compulsive over-eater. I am 48-years old, married with grown children. So it is just my hubby and I (and various pets, lol) at home now.

My hubby and I are like Jack Spratt and his wife! My husband ONLY eats when he is hungry - no matter if it is his very favorite food - if he is not hungry, he does not eat! (Where as, it does not matter if I just had a full meal; if I see something that looks good, I will still eat it, even with a full tummy!) And he is not a snacker, either; only eats at mealtimes. (Again, I want to snack constantly - always thinking about what sounds good to eat next!)

Hubby's diet is horrible though, as far as nutrition goes; he practically lives on white flour, sugar, and meat - and the thing of it is, he is tall and VERY thin - flat stomach, etc. -no fat on him at all! But then again, he ONLY eats when he is actually hungry - and he STOPS when he gets full! (unique concept!)

And I am 5'4" and VERY overweight. I am "in the neighborhood" of being 95 lbs. overweight. (I no longer get on the scales-too depressing!)

I really, really want to get this weight off - for all of the typical, usual, normal reasons. I do not LIKE being fat - it is not the real me! Sometimes I will look down and see my big tummy sticking out and for a second think, "What is THAT?!" Then of course I realize that it is part of my body - a very UN-NATURAL part of my body. I have done this to myself - actually, I think that it falls into the category of self-abuse. (what is kind about it)

I really would like to start working on becoming raw - I totally believe that it is one of the healthiest - if not THE healthiest - lifestyle to have. But I also need to be honest and say that, with winter coming on here in Northern Indiana, I am just not sure I can do it; I rely so much on my "warm, cooked comfort foods......"

I work full-time in a factory doing production, and I need to carry healthy foods with me in my lunchbox, instead of going to all of the JUNK-MACHINES that are provided in the cafeteria. Any ideas for that would be great! I drink lots water all day long, so that is not a problem at all.

I think that self-discipline is my biggest setback here - I somehow need to get pumped-up and motivated to do this.

I am thinking that what I need to do, to get my mind in the correct mindset and to purge myself of these compulsive food addictions, is go on a "short" juice fast. Not sure just yet how long this fast will/should be, but I know that the lousy shape that my mind and body is in right now, that I feel that I should fast for a MINIMUM of 3-days - and probably, much longer than that!

I am considering also the Master Cleanse; it seems to "fit" my situation.

Any input here would be great; I need help!

I may also send this out to some other COE and OA groups that I have joined - but - because I do not want to hear any negative feedback about fasting and/or about the raw lifestyle - I will probably edit the parts of this that talk about maybe doing a short juice fast and then going raw - I only want to hear positive, you know? Not that I am living in a "Pollyanna" world, mind you - but I figure, why invite negativity if I don't have to! Right?

Well, all for now. I hope to make some good friends in here, and be one too~!

Thanks for having me.

JoJo

Regards From JoJo in Indiana

"Those who are content with little own much."

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November 8, 2005

Hi Jo Jo,

That is great that you are open to trying fasting. I was reading your post and it totally reminded me of how I was feeling about my weight and un-stoppable overeating when I came across a website on fasting. I was looking for a solutions since regular diets weren't working. After alot of reading on the internet and the library (fasting and dieting books) I was totally convinced that I had a food addiction. I don't know what other people on the board feel about whether or not you can be addicted to food, but I know I am.

I started out first doing a lot of reading up on fasting on the websites like http://www.freedomyou.com and http://www.fasting.ws. Then I emptied my refrig, filled it with fruits and veggies, bought a juicer (what I could afford but not the best one), and started with a 3 day fast. My goal was 7 days but I actually made it 3 days. I then wait a few months before attempting another fast and set out again for a 7 day fast. After quite a few failed starts I got it going and went 8 days, the off for 3 during thanksgiving during which I could only eat broth and raw fruits and veggies, and then back on for 8 more days. That was the turning point for me and absolutely convinced me that fasting was the answer to my weight and junk food problems. I lost 30 lbs and even after getting off the fast I kept it off for a year until I got pregnant. I had to give up alot after the fast but the new fangled cute body I had was worth it. With each fast I commit myself to give up something permanently. First it was bread, then it was other fatty foods. I would eat good all week and then allow myself one day to have a favorite food like nachos.

Well, I wish you well and hope you get alot out of fasting. There are a lot of people on this board and others who are way more experienced and knowledgeable than I am when it comes to fasting and I know you will get some great advise.

Good Luck

Sherry

On Behalf Of JoJoTuesday, November 08, 2005 10:55 AMJoJo New in here.....need help and inspiration!